The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak may now force international matches like those of the Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers not to be played again this year as the various leagues around the world would be prioritised should life return to normal soon, according to FIFA Vice-president Victor Montagliani.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino had earlier restated his position in a message sent to its 211-member federations last weekend saying, “Our first priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions and encourage everyone to follow is that health comes first,” the FIFA President said. “I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life.
“Everyone in the world should have this very clear in their mind. It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100% safe. If we have to wait a little longer we must do so. It’s better to wait a little bit longer than to take any risks,” concludes the FIFA chief.
President of CONCACAF further added, “I think the leagues will be first priority. The international matches in September are still ahead, but I would rather not say that they are not safe because such things are now.”
“Personally, I think it will be a challenge (to play international games then). Not only because of the health problems around the world and the need for preparation but also with regard to having to go abroad as soon as we start again,” said Montagliani who is also president of CONCACAF.
The three-time AFCON winners are now expected to host Lesotho in a reverse tie for the 2021 AFCON on September 8 with the double-tie against Sierra Leone in March as well as an AFCON qualifier in Benin in June of the card.
